Things To Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you are a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities for you to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
With nine state museums and 21 state parks and preserves, there is no shortage of things to do every day of the year in Louisiana. Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks at a Louisiana state park.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's state museums. There are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place.
These are just a few #OnlyLouisiana events happening around the state this weekend. For a full list of this weekend's events, click here!
Restaurant Week New Orleans
June 16-22
New Orleans
Eat your way through Crescent City during Restaurant Week New Orleans. You’ll love sampling multi-course meals that highlight the city’s melting pot of flavors, from Cajun and Creole fare to Cuban cuisine. Plus, you can find dinner specials at the city’s most famous high-end establishments, like Café Degas and Brennan’s.
Travel between restaurants on the Tennessee Williams-famous streetcars for scenic views of the city. Or learn about New Orleans’ history and mystique on a guided tour, from carriage rides through the Garden District to ghost walks in the French Quarter.
Let the Good Times Roll Festival
June 20-22
Shreveport
Let the Good Times Roll Festival is an annual celebration of Black music, food and art. Enjoy top-of-the-line performances each night, incredible local food vendors and an all-day art market — all with cityscape views of the Red River.
After the festival, roll up to Hot Wheels Skating Palace for a few turns around the rink. The snack bar is well-stocked with pizza, nachos and other concession stand goodies.
Soul Food Festival
June 20-22
Franklin
Dance the night away surrounded by tantalizing food and good vibes at the 5th annual Soul Food Festival. Each day features exciting activities, like the Gospel Brunch and the 5K race through historical downtown Franklin, along with authentic soul-food dishes, a health village and a thrilling lineup of live entertainers playing everything from party DJ sets to high-energy zydeco tunes to passionate R&B jams. Admission is free, with tickets required for some special events.
Between your festival activities, get out and explore the winding waters, stunning scenery and feathered friends of the Bayou Teche. On Saturday, add a stop to the monthly Oldies But Goodies Flea Market to uncover hidden treasures.
Plan your next adventure to the Cajun Coast.
St. Landry BBQ Fest
June 20-22
Opelousas
Eat up and boogie down, y’all. The St. Landry BBQ Fest in Opelousas spotlights the sweet-hot work of local grill masters. When you’re not eating ribs, sway to live music (Chee-Weez, anyone?) and revel in fair food (the lemonade! the funnel cakes!). We’re certain you’ll want to return next year.
If barbecue isn’t enough, swing by Bayou Teche Brewing in nearby Arnaudville. Enjoy craft beer, premium cocktails and wood-fired pizza from one of the most Cajun breweries down South.
Learn more about St. Landry Parish.
2025 Juneteenth Freedom Market
June 21
Monroe
Get ready for an evening of food, shopping and fun at the 3rd annual 2025 Juneteenth Freedom Market. Come with family and friends to explore riverfront vendor stalls offering everything from tantalizing bites to artisan wares. There will also be a kids’ zone, a live DJ playing toe-tapping beats and the opportunity to win special prizes. Admission is free.
During the day, stop by the Juneteenth Unity Festival where adults can learn a few line-dancing steps, kids can let loose in jump houses and hungry revelers can explore tempting food and drink stalls. For more family-friendly activities, head to Bayou Bowl, where you can feel the elation of knocking back all ten white pins or float through a shady lagoon to see hooved animals and water birds on a safari boat ride at Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo.
Larry Brew Fest & Homebrew Competition
June 21
Mandeville
Come sample more than 200 commercial and homebrew beers at the Larry Brew Fest & Homebrew Competition, featuring breweries from across Louisiana, including Rally Cap Brewing Co., Urban South Brewery and Gnarly Barley. While you’re there, vote for the best homebrew to win the People’s Choice Contest, listen to live music, browse vendor booths and sample tasty nibbles from food trucks. For the best price, be sure to purchase your tickets before the event.
Set on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Mandeville offers numerous opportunities to take in natural beauty. Stroll along the paved lakeside paths beginning at Mandeville Beach to watch sailboats on the water or appreciate a beautiful sunset. Fontainebleau State Park is a great spot for fishing, biking, boating and hiking, while Cane Bayou is ideal for an afternoon of lazy paddling.
Many Juneteenth Festival
June 21
Many
Join the celebration of freedom, community and culture during the Many Juneteenth Festival. The excitement begins at 5 p.m. with a high-energy parade marching, dancing, riding and strutting across town. Continue the family-friendly fun at the following festival, where you’ll enjoy music by DJ Cliff Sweet along with a variety of food-truck fare.
Arrive early and take advantage of the nearby Toledo Bend State Park — the perfect spot for doggy paddling in cool waters, kayaking along tree-line banks and reeling in hefty bass. You can even return in the evening for camping — or log-cabin glamping — beneath the stars. Or, dive into local history at the new Zwolle Museum On The Bend, set in a country train station, and tour interpretive exhibits at the Fort Jesup State Historic Site.
Music Festival & Stone Soul Picnic
June 21
Lafayette
Break out the lawn chairs and pack your favorite picnic treats for a day of free world-class music at the Music Festival & Stone Soul Picnic. The show starts at 4:30 p.m. with hours of live performances by groups like Mike Dopsie & Zydeco Entourage, Rusty Metoyer and Russell Cornier & Homegrown Reggae.
No time to pack a picnic? Snag delicious fried shrimp, tender roast beef and golden-brown catfish po’boys from the beloved Old Tyme Grocery or opt for customizable burgers with special toppings like grilled pineapple, banana peppers, crispy bacon and peanut butter from Broadus Burgers. On Sunday, see some of Lafayette’s top sights like University of Louisiana’s campus or the pose-worthy "Lafayette" sign.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
